1st - 17th March. Lower water levels, Sports Relief dog walk , Hurling at Brewster Park and St Patrick's Day.

The water levels have dropped at least two feet in the River Erne, which has marooned this cruiser! At its highest point, the water was flowing over this fishing jetty.

Shannon really enjoyed watching Crufts on television.

Although the level is down, the water is still running fast through Enniskillen bridge. The big work barge tried to go up on his own, but had to return to the Round "O" and call for Big Red to come and give him a tow.

As our contribution to Sports Relief, we took part in a dog walk at Castle Coole. There were about 20 dogs there for the occasion.

We all enjoyed the walk through the woods.

At Brewster Park, Fermanagh were playing against Roscommon in the Hurling League. This is not a game for cissies! Which no. 8 will get the sliotar (ball)?

John McVitty is in action on the touchline, for the Impartial Reporter. He is an award winning photographer.

At half time the youngsters from local clubs have a short game on the pitch. This managed to cheer us up in spite of the terrible half time score! Fermanagh did improve a little in the second half.

In Enniskillen, on St Patrick's Day, the crowds on Broadmeadow waited eagerly by the River Erne for news of St Paddy.

The police launch and the two RNLI ribs set off very fast to rescue St Paddy from the Lough. A quick U-turn had them going in the right direction!

The police launch left St Patrick across the river on Castle Island, when they came back, so this time it was the Vikings to the rescue.

These are real leprechauns waterboarding, we were assured. They were NOT people dressed up!

The grand parade was led by marching children, with the pipe band close behind. There were several different bands, and all played very well. Music in Ireland, North or South, is always good.

There were many floats and lots of tractors in the procession.

Maurice, Andy, Shannon and Janet all enjoyed the parade.

17th March. St Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, and everyone is getting ready for the big day! The jetty here at The Forum is being pressure washed in preparation.
This is the time to make sure that all boat windows are closed, as our boat will be washed while they are at it!

In front of us, the Irish flag is flying proudly over  Maco's barge.

Inside Enniskillen Castle walls, there are two steam engines in steam. They both joined the parade through the streets of Enniskillen later in the day.

Sally tried out the crossbow, managing to hit the target.

St Patrick is due to arrive soon. He usually arrives by boat, but everyone has been told to watch the sky too.

When the sea plane lands, there is great excitement in the crowd.

He creates quite an imposing presence, as he emerges from the plane.

After the official photographs were over, St Patrick spent a long time meeting everyone in the crowd. It was all quite impressive.

Once St Patrick had moved away, there was a water demonstration by the Erne Wakeboarders. Here three of them are in the river, ready to go.

Once the boat accelerates, they are up on to their boards.

Each man puts up quite a wash as he weaves across the water.

They disappear off into the sunset.

 Well, they would if it was the right time of day!

St Patrick heads the parade, which goes right round the streets of the town, finishing up at Enniskillen Castle.

Ballyreagh Silver Band lead the band section of the parade.

They are followed by Trillick Pipe Band.

Lakeland Players celebrate 25 years of entertainment on their float.

Green balloons seem to dominate several of the floats, and everyone is having a great time!

On the Derrylin Boxing Club float there is a boxing match in progress. It seems to be a fight to the finish for the young contenders!

More green for St Paddy's day.

No Irish parade is complete without  machinery.

A Ferguson Brown Type A tractor from 1936 is a fine exhibit. It was Ireland's first tractor designed by Harry Ferguson fitted with a mounted plough.

The Irish certainly know how to organise a good day's entertainment.